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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is my answer to the question of what to bring when you want a salad that is anything but boring. It mixes all the zesty flavors from classic Mexican street corn with buttery pasta and a creamy lime dressing. The result is a colorful side dish that disappears in no time no matter the occasion.
I made this for a backyard barbecue last summer and it vanished before I could even sit down. Now it is my go-to potluck dish and my family asks for it every time corn is in season.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: at room temperature brings creaminess and binds the dressing together look for full fat for richness
- Sour cream: adds tang and silkiness choose one with minimal additives
- Extra virgin olive oil: brings a smooth mouthfeel and depth use a good quality bottle
- Grated garlic: infuses the dressing with a gentle heat and savoriness
- Fresh chives: add a mild onion flavor and bright color use only crisp bright-green stalks
- Salt and pepper: balance all the flavors taste and adjust as you go
- Crumbled cotija or feta cheese: lends a salty nutty taste and authentic street corn touch opt for firm blocks and crumble yourself
- Short pasta: like fusilli or rotini traps the dressing and corn well cook just to al dente
- Romaine lettuce: shredded lends crunch and freshness use crisp hearts for best texture
- Grilled or roasted corn: infuses sweetness and smokiness cut from fresh ears for juiciness
- Fresh basil: torn for herbaceous flavor use vibrant leaves without bruising
- Fresh cilantro: chopped offers citrusy brightness and color choose sturdy bunches with lots of fragrance
- Spicy cheddar cheese: diced gives pops of sharp heat pick a block with visible chiles for extra kick
- Avocado: diced for richness stir in just before serving to avoid browning use ripe but still firm fruit
- Salted butter: is the base for chili butter and gives flavor make sure it is a fresh batch
- Smoked paprika: gives deep smoky warmth try to find Spanish smoked type
- Chili powder: for smoky earthy undertones look for pure spice blends for best flavor
- Cayenne pepper: for heat and vibrancy start with a little and add to your preference
- Mayonnaise or yogurt: creates creaminess and a little tang in the lime dressing use full fat for body
- Lime juice: brightens and sharpens all the flavors use fresh limes for juiciness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large salad bowl combine cream cheese sour cream olive oil grated garlic chives salt and pepper mixing until completely smooth This creamy base will ensure every bite gets flavor
- Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients:
- Boil water with plenty of salt then cook the pasta until just al dente Drain and immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl with dressing Toss until thoroughly coated Add romaine shredded corn cheddar cheese basil cilantro and avocado Toss again gently to mix without breaking up the avocado
- Prepare the Chili Butter:
- In a skillet over medium heat melt the butter until golden Add chili powder smoked paprika cayenne pepper and a little salt Stir and let the spices bloom for about one minute Remove the skillet from heat This will be drizzled on top to bring smoky and spicy depth
- Make the Lime Mayo Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and a small pinch of salt Stir until creamy and smooth This will be the final layer of flavor over the salad
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the pasta salad warm for an extra comforting and melty texture or let it chill for at least fifteen minutes for a refreshing cold salad Right before serving drizzle generously with chili butter and lime mayo Give it another gentle toss or leave ingredients on top for dramatic presentation Your crowd will love every bite
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One of my favorite parts is pouring the chili butter over the top I always save a little extra to add after the salad has been chilling I remember making this for my family camping and eating it around the fire with spoons nothing else needed
How to Store Street Corn Pasta Salad
Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days The flavors meld together and get even better the next day If you want to keep avocado looking bright add it just before serving If it looks a little dry from chilling splash in some extra lime juice or olive oil when serving
Ideas for Ingredient Swaps
If you do not have cotija cheese feta or even goat cheese will work fine and keep the creamy salty vibe For the creamy dressing Greek yogurt is a great light swap for sour cream If fresh corn is not in season you can use thawed frozen corn and char it in a skillet for extra flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad with grilled meats tacos or as a standalone main dish with an extra scoop of beans on the side I love it at picnics with tortilla chips for extra crunch It also pairs well with a crisp lager or a citrusy iced tea
Cultural Inspiration
This salad takes its cues from Mexican elote which is grilled corn on the cob smothered in mayo lime cheese and chili It is a true street food staple and by tossing it with pasta we turn it into a heartier dish while keeping all those craveable flavors
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Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I get charred corn flavor without grilling?
You can use a cast-iron skillet over high heat to brown corn kernels, stirring occasionally until nicely charred.
- → Can I substitute Cotija cheese?
If Cotija isn't available, feta offers a similar salty, crumbly texture and works beautifully in this dish.
- → How long does this pasta stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Flavors meld and improve over time.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal, as they hold the dressing and blend easily with other ingredients.
- → Is this served warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways—serve straight after mixing for warmth, or chill in the fridge for a cool, refreshing option.
- → How can I make this spicier?
Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeño to the mix for extra heat. Taste and adjust to your preference.